Think. Discuss. Act. Adoption

The Center For Adoption

Summary

The following information is found in Tucker L.M. (1998, November 22). Adoption: Looking for a Place to Call Home. Meet Rodricka, Robert, Rodney. The Tennessean, p. 10B.

The (Nashville) Tennessean newspaper is working with the Center for Adoption to profile children eligible for adoption. The center, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and Family and Children’s Service, is working with 340 children in some stage of the adoption process. The stories of children for whom families have not been selected-currently about 124-will run regularly.

Program Requirements

To become an adoptive parent in their program, you:

Can be married, single or divorced.

May have other children.

Can own your own home or rent.

Can work full time.

Must be at least 21.

Must be a resident of Tennessee.

Must be able to meet the financial needs of your present family.

Are ready to extend your love and commitment to a child who needs you.

This article describes a beautiful set of African-American siblings, who visited the offices of this newspaper. The six-year-old sister seems to take care of her brothers, one a year older; the other two years younger. They all seem very affectionate…”very much open and nurturing of each other…with a good sense of self.” Their dream is to stay together and live in a home with two floors, a family and pets. Most important, Rodricka says, ” ‘I want to live in a house that will take my brothers.’ ” ” ‘Yeah,’ ” Rodney (age 4) exclaims. They seem to be ready and able to bond quickly with a new family.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Do you think a partnership between a community newspaper and an adoption center is a good idea?

What kind of people want adoptive children and what makes a good adoptive home?

What do you see as the benefits and risks of adoption for the family and for the children adopted?

What are your thoughts about orphanages, foster care, and adoption?

Implications

The vulnerability of children and the social crises around and within families make adoption a very critical need in most societies.

The options to adoption are often homelessness, orphanages, foster care, or abusive situations in their family of origin or with relatives. Some children have been in as many as a dozen foster homes, a disheartening experience.

Fortunately, there are more adoptions today than earlier and older children (even up the age of 18) are being adopted who might never have had such an opportunity a few years ago.

Governmental agencies should do all in their power to cut bureaucratic snags that lengthen the time it takes to place children in a loving, adoptive home. Still, it is important that such families are screened and found suitable.